Section 4 of RTI

Section 4 of RTI

Subject – Governance

Context – SC seeks reply on suomotu RTI disclosure

Concept –

Section 4 of RTI

The Section prescribes that it would be the “constant endeavour of every public authority to take steps to provide as much information suomotu to the public at regular intervals.

Right to Information

• RTI is an act of the parliament which sets out the rules and procedures regarding citizens’ right to information.
• Under the provisions of RTI Act, any citizen of India may request information from a “public authority” (a body of Government or “instrumentality of State”) which is required to reply expeditiously or within 30.
• In case of the matter involving a petitioner’s life and liberty, the information has to be provided within 48 hours.
• The Act also requires every public authority to computerize their records for wide dissemination and to proactively publish certain categories of information so that the citizens need minimum recourse to request for information formally.

Important Sections:

• Section- 2 (f): “Information” means any material in any form, including Records, Documents, Memos, e-mails, Opinions, Advices, Press releases, Circulars, Orders, Logbooks, Contracts, Reports, Papers, Samples, Models, Data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a Public Authority under any other law for the time being in force.
• Section 4 of the RTI Act requires suomotu disclosure of information by each public authority.
• Section 8 (1) mentions exemptions against furnishing information under RTI Act.
• Section 8 (2) provides for disclosure of information exempted under Official Secrets Act, 1923 if larger public interest is served.